Doors | Make an Entrance & Choose the RIGHT Front Door!

Making an Entrance: Choosing a front door

Thinking about doors is not simply a case of aesthetics: they are also an important component to fire-safety and security in your home. There are three main types of door-materials on the market: fibreglass, steel and solid wood. While they all come in a range of styles, price and durability may be deciding factors for which type of door you decide to buy.

Why choose a steel door?

If price is the most important factor for you then a steel door is probably your best option. They are inexpensive and low-maintenance, however steel doors are generally less aesthetically appealing and can dent easily. Rusting is also a potential problem if the door isn’t painted.

Why choose a fibreglass door?

Fibreglass doors are a practical compromise between price and maintenance; they are more hardy than steel but less expensive than wood. They are also low-maintenance and available in a wide range of looks including mock-wood that can be stained or painted. Fibreglass doors are also worth considering because they are good insulators and therefore more energy-efficient than wood.

Why choose a wooden door?

Wooden doors are at the high-end of the door market, the most visually appealing but also the most expensive. They are unlikely to dent and the best option for wear and tear. Although the wood will need maintenance, painting or varnishing, in order to keep the door’s aesthetic appeal.

Should I customise my door with a glass design?

All doors can be customised with glass designs, grille patterns, sidelights and transoms. Of course adding an elaborate design to your door will increase the cost and it may compromise the security of your home if positioned too close to the lock. It will also reduce the insulation benefits that you gain from having a steel or fibreglass door.

How can I increase house-security when choosing a front door?

The door itself is less important to your home-security than the lock that you install. Therefore a high quality lock is of utmost importance. An expensive hardy door will not stop a potential thief if the lock is old or poor quality, so investing in a good quality lock is paramount. Double locking or using a deadbolt lock is a good way of deterring a casual burglar.

Tips for shopping for a door:

Before you begin browsing for doors it is a good idea to decide what your budget is and what is most important to you for example is the look of the front door your biggest concern or the price? A wooden door may be the most visually appealing but it will also be the most expensive and require regular maintenance. Before you go in person to a retailer have a look online at their catalogues to get a clear idea of what you are looking for; this will save you time and money in the long run.